CLEVELAND – Donovan Mitchell's dominant offensive display fueled the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 117-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mitchell poured in 34 points, leading a balanced Cavaliers attack that saw five players score in double figures.
The Cavaliers (48-28) showcased their resilience, bouncing back from a recent loss and further solidifying their position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The Suns (43-31), meanwhile, struggled to contain Mitchell and ultimately couldn't overcome Cleveland's cohesive team performance.
"We came out with a purpose tonight," Mitchell said after the game. "We knew we needed to respond, and we did that as a team. We moved the ball well, defended with intensity, and just played with a sense of urgency that we need to bring every night."
Mitchell's scoring prowess was on full display, as he connected on 12 of 21 shots from the field, including five three-pointers. He also added five assists and four rebounds to his impressive stat line.
Beyond Mitchell, the Cavaliers received valuable contributions from several players. Darius Garland chipped in with 22 points and seven assists, while Jarrett Allen recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Evan Mobley contributed 14 points and eight rebounds, and Caris LeVert added 13 points off the bench, providing a spark on the offensive end.
The Suns, playing without Kevin Durant who was sidelined with an ankle injury, were led by Devin Booker's 27 points. Bradley Beal added 24 points, and Jusuf Nurkic grabbed 18 rebounds to go along with his 10 points. However, the Suns struggled to find consistent scoring outside of their star trio and couldn't match the Cavaliers' overall team effort.
Cleveland established control early, jumping out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter. Their aggressive defense and efficient offense allowed them to maintain a comfortable advantage throughout the first half, entering the break with a 62-50 lead.
The Suns attempted to mount a comeback in the third quarter, but the Cavaliers responded each time with timely baskets and defensive stops. Mitchell continued to be a scoring threat, and the Cavaliers' role players stepped up to make crucial plays.
In the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers maintained their lead, withstanding any late surge from the Suns. Cleveland’s defense tightened, forcing tough shots and limiting second-chance opportunities.
"I was really pleased with our defensive intensity tonight," said Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff. "We were active, we communicated well, and we made it difficult for them to get easy looks. That's the kind of defensive effort we need to bring every night."
The Cavaliers shot 52.4% from the field compared to the Suns' 44.7%. Cleveland also out-rebounded Phoenix 45-41, a crucial factor in their victory. Furthermore, the Cavaliers dished out 27 assists, highlighting their commitment to team play.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will face the Charlotte Hornets at home on Friday, while the Suns will travel to Denver to take on the Nuggets on the same night.
For the Cavaliers, maintaining their defensive intensity and continuing to get balanced contributions from their supporting cast will be key as they approach the playoffs. For the Suns, the return of Kevin Durant will be crucial if they hope to make a deep playoff run of their own. The Cavaliers' victory over the Suns showcased their potential as a contender in the Eastern Conference, as long as they can sustain their level of play.
